Shaking the Rust Off a CFI Ticket

It's that returning to the right seat state of mind.

Meg Godlewski

Monday, February 03, 2025 at 09:16 AM ET

Verified

There is a lot to consider when a person returns to the CFI world. [Courtesy: Meg Godlewski]

Key Takeaways:

Returning flight instructors (CFIs) must update their knowledge on current administrative procedures, including the TSA endorsement process, the new two-certificate system for student pilots, and the preferred use of "learner" over "student."
CFIs need to become proficient with modern aircraft technology such as glass cockpits, GPS navigation, ADS-B systems, and autopilots to effectively teach their safe and appropriate use to new learners.
While embracing digital navigation tools and electronic flight bags, instructors should continue to teach traditional navigation methods, paper chart usage, and the importance of comprehensive situational awareness.
It is essential for CFIs to maintain their personal instrument flight skills, even if not actively teaching IFR, to ensure ongoing proficiency and safety.

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The nice thing about the flying hours logged in aviation is that they don’t expire. Those hours on your logbook don’t magically disappear if you decide to hang up your wings for a bit—even if they are instructor wings and one day you decide to get back into the cockpit on the right side and teach again.

It will take time, however. It has been my privilege to help lapsed CFIs regain their skills and add some new ones, thus enabling them to teach again.